Hawaiian hibiscus
Hibiscus brackenridgei, family Malvaceae
A yellow-flowered hibiscus native to dry forests in Hawaii
Hawaiian hibiscus is a tall shrub or small tree with vivid yellow blooms, found only in Hawaii. It grows in dry, lowland forests and shrublands and faces threats from habitat loss and invasive species.
- Bright yellow flowers on a shrub or small tree up to 5 meters tall
- Native to dry forests and shrublands in Hawaii
- Faces threats from habitat loss and invasive species
- Three subspecies are recognized, with one now extinct
What does Hawaiian hibiscus look like?
This plant grows as an upright shrub or a small tree, sometimes reaching up to five meters in height. Its flowers are a striking bright yellow, standing out against the green foliage. The species is found in dry, lowland forests and shrublands, where it forms part of the native landscape. Its overall form is bushy, and it can be recognized by its large, showy yellow blossoms.
Where does Hawaiian hibiscus come from?
Hawaiian hibiscus is native to the Hawaiian Islands, where it grows in dry forests and shrublands at lower elevations. It is found only in this region, making it an example of a plant that evolved in isolation. Over time, it has adapted to the local climate and soils. Its presence is now limited due to changes in land use and the introduction of non-native plants and animals.
When and how Hawaiian hibiscus blooms
The plant grows in dry, open areas at elevations up to 350 meters. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires plenty of sunlight. Propagation is typically from seed. Flowering occurs on mature plants, which develop upright stems and produce clusters of yellow flowers.
How Hawaiian hibiscus is used
There is no information in the sources about traditional or modern uses of this hibiscus. Its main significance is as a native species of Hawaii, valued for its role in the local ecosystem and its distinctive yellow flowers.
Kinds of Hawaiian hibiscus
There are three recognized subspecies. One is found more widely, while another is limited to certain islands. A third subspecies, once found in western parts of some islands, is now extinct. These forms differ mainly in their distribution.
What Hawaiian hibiscus means
Hawaiian hibiscus is notable as a native plant of Hawaii, but the sources do not mention any symbolic or cultural meanings. Its conservation is important, as it is threatened by habitat loss and invasive species. Efforts to protect it focus on preserving native habitats and controlling non-native animals and plants.
Where Hawaiian hibiscus is used and seen
GarlandA string or braid of flowers, leaves, or other materials for decoration or ceremony
San Diego Botanic GardenA 37-acre garden in Encinitas with global plant collections and rare bamboos
Jardin botanique de DeshaiesA 7-hectare botanical garden in Deshaies, Guadeloupe with global plant collections
Mehtab BaghA Mughal riverside garden facing the Taj Mahal in Agra
Batumi Botanical GardenA vast Black Sea garden with plants from around the world and sweeping sea views
Allan GardensA historic Toronto park with a large public conservatory and six greenhousesQuestions people ask about Hawaiian hibiscus
Where does Hawaiian hibiscus come from?
It is native to the Hawaiian Islands, growing in dry, lowland forests and shrublands at elevations up to 350 meters.
What does the Hawaiian hibiscus look like?
It grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to five meters, with bright yellow flowers and green leaves.
Is the Hawaiian hibiscus endangered?
Yes, it is threatened by loss of habitat and the impact of invasive plants and animals, and one subspecies is extinct.
Are there different types of Hawaiian hibiscus?
There are three recognized subspecies, which differ mainly in where they are found on the islands.
Good reading and sources
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Hibiscus brackenridgei on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Hibiscus brackenridgei", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
Others in the family Malvaceae
The whole family
LindenTilia
Tall, broad-leaved trees with fragrant yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves
🇨🇳 China and 7 more · Flowering tree
Hibiscus
A tropical genus with large, colourful trumpet-shaped flowers
🇮🇳 India and 7 more · Wildflower
MallowMalva
Edible and ornamental flowering plants with pink, purple or white blooms
🇮🇳 India and 6 more · Wildflower
Small-leaved LimeTilia cordata
A tall, fragrant-flowered tree native to much of Europe
🇨🇿 Czech Republic and 6 more · Flowering tree